The Coconut Resort Car race team is Australia’s only representative in the Egypt round of the FIA World Cross Country Championship. Olholm and Riley will use the event to acclimatise themselves to the new car in preparation for the infamous Dakar Rally to be held across Argentina and Chile in January.
The car is different to the V8 powered Pajero Olholm is used to campaigning in Australia, and took some time to get used to the lower power delivery from the car’s 3 litre BMW diesel power plant. The duo also had to overcome some minor fuel start problems in the high tech engine, with Steve Riley admitting the complicated technology was a little bit of a challenge for him.
Once the engine dramas were sorted, Geoff and Steve worked on setup and handling, with Geoff impressed by the cars handling and brakes.
“We’ve managed to improve the car immensely with some tyre and suspension tweaks,” the former Australian motorcycle enduro champion enthused.
The duo will share driving duties on the long stage sections, but in the large dunes that await the Coconut Resort team tomorrow it is Steve who will be faced with the navigation techniques and procedures.
The two-time Australian Safari winner is confident he has his head around the unique requirements of the Egyptian event. In addition to the navigation, Steve will be charged with the mechanical maintenance of the vehicle, and has spent the past week getting better acquainted with the 2010 Dakar-spec car.
The Pharaons Rally begins on October 4th with a 429.5km stage from Cairo to El Rammak and concludes on October 9th.
Basic Information
Car:
Coconut Resort Race Team 2010 Dakar Spec Rally Raid UK
3 litre BMW Diesel, 4-wheel drive.
Team: Coconut Resort Race Team – paired up with RallyRaid International
Geoff Olholm is a Cairns resident and former motor cross and motorcycle enduro champion.
Steve Riley hails from Leongatha in Victoria, a former Australian motor cycle enduro champion and two-time winner of the Australian Safari, Steve is a well credentialed off road racer.
They will be supported by chief mechanic Chris Stone.
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